THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A close call
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A situation in which something bad almost happens but is narrowly avoided.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- It was a close call: the falling cup missed my laptop by centimetres.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
It was ________: the falling cup missed my laptop by centimetres.
Show the answer
A close call — A situation in which something bad almost happens but is narrowly avoided.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A close call” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
A situation in which something bad almost happens but is narrowly avoided.
Compare: It was a close call: the falling cup missed my laptop by centimetres.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally after a narrow escape from danger, damage or a missed opportunity.
More examples in context
- Catching the last train was a close call because our bus arrived late.
- The shelf nearly collapsed before we removed the books; that was a close call.
Usage note
The bad result is avoided in this meaning. It does not describe a disaster that actually happened. A close shave is a useful variation.
A short conversation
A: Did the spilled water reach your notes?
B: No, but it was a close call. I moved them just in time.
A: Let us put the drinks on another table.
One more practice question
Which event is a close call?
A. A falling plant pot narrowly misses a parked bicycle without damaging it.
B. A plant pot falls directly onto a bicycle and breaks it.
Check your answer
A. The damage almost happens but is avoided.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.